Training

Racing in Warm Temps

Finally spring is here and race season is in full swing! While you may be thrilled to ditch the layers and the gloves, the heat will soon become a factor that you will need to consider.

Weather is one of those things that you have no control over, but there are things that you can do to better prepare for it.

Here are some tips to help you optimize your performance during your summer races.

1. Adjust your race goal. Trust me on this one! If you don’t, you will wish you had very quickly. I know this from experience. If you want to avoid the frustration of trying to figure out a pace then run the race entirely by effort and throw the time out the window.

2. Hydrate! This will be just as important in the days leading up to the race as during the race. You want to go into the race hydrated, so make sure you are drinking enough the days leading up to the race. Drinks with electrolytes, such as Nuun, are great for this! You may even want to consider carrying your own water bottle depending on how many water stops there are.

3. Make sure you walk through water stations if you need to. It can be hard to get enough to drink when you are trying to run and drink, so it would be worth the extra few seconds it takes to just walk and get the liquids in.

4. Make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing. Light colors and wicking fabris is the way to go! Hats or visors, sunglasses and sunscreen are also important.

Summer racing can be challenging, but being prepared for it will really help! Remember, you paid to run this race so have fun!

Jen is an ambassador for ZOOMA Annapolis. She is also a mom to two great daughters and a wife to one amazing husband. She home schools her daughters and they live in a beautiful town in Maryland. She enjoys running and encouraging others in their running journey. She has run 6 marathons, 6 half marathons, and a handful of 5 and 10k’s. She loves getting to know other runners, and sharing her life and running experiences through her blog @milesandblessings.com.